Michigan tribe works to preserve Ojibwe

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Michigan is using a $109,708 federal grant to start a language preservation program.

Few tribal members on the reservation can still speak Ojibwe. But preliminary results of an assessment survey show enthusiasm for a language program, a project coordinator said.

The survey is part of a three-phase grant from the Administration for Native Americans, a part of the Department of Health and Human Services. The tribe hopes to receive funding to implement a language program later this year.